Frederick Douglass

Historian Manisha Sinha argues that the Second Republic lasted decades longer than most histories state and achieved wider gains.

On the fragile facade of republicanism in 19th century America.

Historian Robin Blackburn has completed a trilogy of books that provide a comprehensive Marxist account of slavery in the New World.

The untold story of the Wide Awakes, the young Americans who took up the torch for their antislavery cause and stirred the nation.

The text and historical context of the Constitution provide liberals with ample opportunities to advance their own vision of America.

In a circumscribed universe, Black Americans have ceaselessly reinvented themselves.

A groundbreaking new book demonstrates that even during the days of slavery, African Americans knew a lot more about legal principles than has been imagined.

In pre-Civil War Richmond, Black people were forced to literally pay for the mechanisms of white supremacy.

The African American perfectionists offered “faith” instead of “hope”—emphasizing the struggle to realize a vision of justice.

The significance of New Year’s Eve ‘watch night’ services for Black Americans.

The 1619 Project claimed to reveal the unknown history of slavery. It ended up helping to distort the real history of slavery and the struggle against it.

A bold new photographic project asks modern-day Americans to recreate portraits of their 19th-century ancestors in painstakingly accurate fashion.

The black naturalist, astronomer, surveyor, and almanac-writer Benjamin Banneker took issue with Thomas Jefferson’s attitude toward “those of my complexion.”

In 1871, the Fisk University singers embarked on a tour that introduced white Americans to a Black sound that would reshape the nation.

To address these atrocities and treat Jewish victims, survivors, and families with dignity, we must confront Israel’s subjugation of Palestine.

Critiques of the Thirteenth Amendment have roots in a long history of activists who understood the imprisonment of Black people as a type of slavery.

King offered Americans the choice between acting in accordance with the Constitution and resistance to change.  In many ways, we face the same choice today.

On the complex relationship between Black Americans and the Black church.

The real history of Juneteenth is much messier—and more inspiring.

David Hackett Fischer's book "African Founders" should be the starting point for any reflection on the enduring African ­influence on American national ideals.